Multifunctional nanoscopy for imaging cells

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an apparatus for sensing characteristics of an object. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises an array, wherein the array comprises a plurality of nanoscale hybrid semiconductor/metal devices which are in proximity to an object, each hybrid semiconductor/metal device being configured to produce a voltage in response to a perturbation, wherein the produced voltage is indicative of a characteristic of the object. Any of a variety of nanoscale EXX sensors can be selected as the hybrid semiconductor/metal devices in the array. With such an array, ultra high resolution images of nanoscopic resolution can be generated of objects such as living cells, wherein the images are indicative of a variety of cell biologic processes.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE AND PRIORITY CLAIM TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION[0001]This patent application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application 60 / 821,040, filed Aug. 1, 2006, and entitled “Multifunctional Nanoscopy for Imaging Cells”, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]This invention was made with government support under NIH grants such as EB002168, HL042950, and CO-27031 awarded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The government may have certain rights in the inventionFIELD OF THE INVENTION[0003]The field of this invention relates generally to techniques for measuring characteristics of an object (such as the cell function and structure of one or more living cells) on a nanoscale via an array of integrated nanosensors that are responsive to various perturbations such as acoustic waves, light, or electric charge.BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[0004]The rapid ac...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004]The rapid acquisition and analysis of high volumes of data in biological samples had its advent in the early days of the human genome sequencing project. Microarray technology has facilitated the interrogation of large numbers of samples for biologically relevant patterns in a variety of physiological, drug-induced or clinically relevant cellular states. A challenge has now presented itself with respect to how these large volumes of information can be integrated into an accurate model of cellular behavior and processes. For example, information relating the effect of a drug to the extent and duration of apoptosis in cancer cells would be invaluable information in a screen for cancer drugs. Similarly, information of cytoskeletal changes leading to invasiveness would greatly streamline the development of an efficient anti-angiogenic drug strategy.

Problems solved by technology

A challenge has now presented itself with respect to how these large volumes of information can be integrated into an accurate model of cellular behavior and processes.

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